Jorge Branco
Journalist
Jorge (variously known as Josh, George, Ross and even Yoshi, depending on the ears of the person on the other side of the phone) joined Caboolture News two years ago after doing his penance working for free on Sundays.
He spends his days shouting at the computer and thinking up sneaky schemes to take control of the office air conditioner.
The former Sunny Coast boy writes about everything from small businesses to community tragedies and political developments while also keeping a watchful eye...

UPDATE 2PM: A number of bushfires are continuing to burn in the Bribie Island National Park area. 10 fire crews were on the ground patrolling and maintaining containment lines.

While there is currently no threat to property, crews are conducting a large-scale backburn in the forested area of the western side of the island. A large smoke plume and dead embers will drift across White Patch, Banksia Beach, Pumicestone Passage and over the townships of Sandstone Point, Toorbul and Donnybrook throughout the afternoon.

People with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed and also keep their medication close by. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, drive to conditions and be aware of firefighters working in the area.

Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.

UPDATE: 11.45AM: Acting Police Minister Steve Dickson has met with firefighters at Bribie Island Fire Station to discuss plans of action for today.

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A thick smoke haze has affected surrounding areas in the Bribie Island and Caboolture region.

UPDATE 11AM: A number of bushfires are continuing to burn in the Bribie Island National Park area. As at 10.45am, 10 fire crews were on the ground patrolling and maintaining containment lines at fires burning near residential areas.

While there is currently no threat to property, crews are conducting a large-scale backburn in the forested area of the western side of the island, which is giving off large volumes of smoke in the Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island, Donnybrook and Toorbul areas. People with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed and also keep their medication close by. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, drive to conditions and be aware of firefighters working in the area.

Crews were first called to the fire on Monday and completed back burning operations last night to help contain the fire.

Residents in the area surrounding White Patch Esplanade (north-west of Wrights Creek), including Toowa Street, Horace Street, Coondiba Street, Ethel Street, Hilda Street, Maud Street and Charles Street are advised to remain alert and stay informed via local radio or by visiting www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

UPDATE 8PM: The watch and act message for White Patch on Bribie island has been cancelled.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were advised at 5.30pm there were 16 crews on the ground conducting backburning operations in order to contain the fire.

Crews will remain on scene overnight.

Residents in the area surrounding White Patch Esplanade (north-west of Wrights Creek), including Toowa Street, Horace Street, Coondiba Street, Ethel Street, Hilda Street, Maud Street and Charles Street are advised to remain alert and stay informed via local radio or by visiting www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

There is a large amount of smoke in the surrounding area and residents with respiratory illnesses should keep medications close by.

Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.

Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:

Put on protective clothing

Drink lots of water

Move car/s to a safe location

Close windows and doors and shut blinds

Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water

UPDATE 2.12: Officer in charge of Bribie Island Police station David Crawford-Raby said evacuations in relation to the Bribie fires were only voluntary at this stage.

Senior Sergeant Crawford-Raby said some people were voluntarily leaving homes at White Patch due to the amount of smoke in the area however no forced evacuations were in place.

Access to White Patch has been temporarily closed.

Camp sites have been closed and access gates have been locked.

Volunteer Marine Rescue crews have been tasked to check remote camp sites in the region.

UPDATE 1.23: The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is advising residents in the vicinity of White Patch (north-west of Wrights Creek), Bribie Island to finalise their bushfire plans and prepare for a bushfire in their area.

At 12.45pm, a number of bushfires were located in Bribie Island National Park, near White Patch. The fires are travelling in a northerly direction and are expected to impact the areas surrounding White Patch Esplanade, including Toowa Street, Horace Street, Coondiba Street, Ethel Street, Hilda Street, Maud Street and Charles Street in the next six to 24 hours.

Residents are advised to finalise their bushfire plans and be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Leaving is the safest option for survival in a bushfire.

Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.

Currently, 16 fire crews are working to contain the blaze but firefighters may not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have door-knocked homes in the area to advise residents of the smoke hazard and to prepare to relocate if the situation changes and they are directed to do so by emergency authorities.